The Indian opener Mayank Agarwal has been involved in cricketing activities as long as he can remember and the ongoing break enforced by the coronavirus pandemic has taught him the importance of pursuing other interests. Like other cricketers, Mayank is spending some quality time with his family during his lockdown.

Talking to Times of India about the same, Agarwal said, “When the lockdown was imposed, for a brief while I felt like I wasn’t an asset anymore. It was like my contribution went from something to nothing. Suddenly I needed to do something apart from my sport which would help me add value at home and at the same time upgrade myself.”

While he has been reading, doing daily household works, and meditation to cope up with the ‘free time’, the phrase has also taught Maaynk to be more grateful.

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The Indian opener said, “It’s made me even more grateful for what I have and whatever we have been blessed with. I feel fortunate for the three meals that I eat. I think as a sportsman we’re blessed to have the opportunity to go out and play a sport. This phase has made me count my blessings more.”

Since his Test debut in December 2018, Agarwal has played 11 Tests in which he has amassed 974 runs at a sublime average of 57.29 alongside three centuries and four half-centuries. In February this year, he also made also went on to make his ODI debut during the tour of New Zealand.

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Recalling the experience, Mayank said, “As a kid, I dreamt of playing for India and I told myself, I’ll do everything I can to get there. Be very clear in your mind on what you want to achieve and then chase your dreams no matter what. Fitness for me is not just about working on the physical aspect. It is also a lot of mental discipline because there are times when you are training or working out when you feel like stopping. So, having a mindset to be fit helps in breaking that mental indiscipline.”